I have been interested in sociology, psychology and cultural anthropology for many years, likely since high school where the “groupings” and “cliches” became painfully evident in overt and subtle ways. So, when I read “The Cultural Creatives: How 50 Million People Are Changing The World” by Paul H. Ray Ph.D. and Sherry Ruth Anderson Ph.D. it was like the kalidescope of my life and belief system suddenly clicked into place.
It has been a few years since I read this book cover to cover so I may have the terminology slightly “off” but I thought that a beautiful illustration of these three sociocultural groups in actions played out in Vancouver on International Women’s Day. Granted, the book was written based on US research and focus groups, however, I feel that it is possible to extrapolate the findings generally to Canada.
On March 8th in Vancouver, there were 4 very interesting events being held in honour of International Women’s Day. In my opinion, it is quite clear how three of these events would be classified according to the “cultural creative” lexicon. “The International Women in Film” festival probably crosses boundaries between cultural creatives and moderns, maybe with a few traditionals thrown in. The Jade Goddess event, clearly falls into the “cultural creative camp”.
The other two events, one of which I organized, I need to be up front about this; so clearly illustrates the socio-cultural differences between “moderns” and “cultural creatives” that it tickles my funny bone. The “modern” event, a martini party and fundraiser, benefiting “The Minerva Foundation” held downtown Vancouver at a swanky hotel, made it into the social pages of our local “modern’s’ newspaper, the Vancouver Sun.
The second event, the “Misbehaving Women of the Year” awards, fundraiser and clothing swap, benefiting the Avalon Women’s Centres (supporting women in recovery from addictions), was a “dry event”, held in very nice but low key surroundings. Given the energy devoted to organizing the event and the small group of women doing to organizing and that we weren’t really focussed on publicity, we didn’t get around to inviting anyone from the local more alternative newpaper “The Georgia Straight”, until the day of the event, so there was no media coverage, although there was a heart-centered evening filled with laughter, tears, hugs and great clothes.
Now, of course, both organizations (Avalon and Minerva) are wonderful and are doing amazing work for women and girls locally and through out our province. I happen to be involved in both organizations. I seldom see such a clear outpicturing of the theories portrayed in Ray and Anderson’s book and wanted to share this with you.
The “traditionals” may have celebrated International Women’s Day too but I didn’t hear about any events within this group, which is interesting in itself.Â
The book “Cultural Creatives” was written in 2000 and the lines may becoming blessedly blurry with the attention given to global warming and other pressing environmental considerations, in my opinion, yes, the “cultural creatives”, with organization and gathering together are a major force for social change. So, if you feel drawn to this, participate with us, on May 13th at 1 pm local time for the “Standing Women Project”. Contact myself, or check my website for more details about local women standing in the Vancouver area, or check out www.standingwomen.org for more info about setting up an event in your area.
namaste,
Zoey
coach . catalyst . shakti sage
life & business coach for women